School is back in session next week, and between drop-offs and pickups, packing lunches, and helping with homework, finding the solution to the fitness + back to school equation can seem overwhelming. Here are a few of my my best tips to get your sweat on between making breakfast, tutoring, and carpooling.
As any parent knows, September can be a hectic time of year as kids return to school, sports and other activities. Juggling schedules is tough, but you don’t have to let your personal fitness suffer. Helping your kids’ through the school week is important, but staying active is just as important to keep mom and dad’s hearts and minds healthy.
1. Early Morning Quickie
Get out of bed before everyone wakes up. For exercise to “count” it doesn’t need to be a huge commitment. Throw on your shoes and walk, jog, bike or dance for 8, 14 or 21 minutes! You have to shower anyways!
2. Active Commute
How far away is your kid’s school? Is there any way you can structure an active commute to or from school? Is there an option to walk them to school, or Maybe bike to work???
3. BootCamp the Playground!
When was the last time you played ball hockey/soccer/tag with your kids after school?! Turn the park or playground into your own little boot camp! Pack a light dinner of veggies/hummus/cheese and whole wheat pita and head to the park right after school!
4. “Runch”?!
Exercise during your lunch hour and eat at your desk afterwards!
5. EVERYTHING counts
Don’t get overwhelmed by the HAVE TO’s “have to go to the gym”, “have to workout for an hour”, “have to sweat”. 5 minutes here and there is GREAT. Try to fit in something everyday. Some days it will end up being longer, more structured, which is great. Some Days it will be brisk walking + 2 flights of stairs + 4 blocks to the grocery store + 7 minutes running around with the kids. Also GREAT.
Making time FOR YOURSELF to exercise IS putting your kids first. One of the most important things we can do as parents is set good examples. I want my kids to know that physical activity is important and natural. I want them to grow up thinking that it’s a vital part of each and every day.
